TrumpRx: The GLP-1 Deal That Shocked the Industry

Love him or hate him, you probably didn't expect Donald Trump to negotiate your Ozempic discount.

Yet here we are. In late 2025, the Trump administration announced a deal with Novo Nordisk—the Danish pharmaceutical giant behind Ozempic, Wegovy, and Saxenda—to provide discounted GLP-1 medications directly to American consumers.

The program, unofficially dubbed "TrumpRx" by the press and supporters, bypasses insurance companies and PBMs (pharmacy benefit managers) to offer brand-name GLP-1s at lower prices.

Is it real? Yes. Is it as revolutionary as claimed? That's more complicated.

What Actually Happened

In December 2025, the Trump administration announced that Novo Nordisk had agreed to offer its GLP-1 medications at "significantly reduced prices" through a new direct-to-consumer channel.

The deal reportedly came after pressure from the White House on pharmaceutical pricing, with GLP-1s specifically called out as a target given their massive demand and high list prices.

Key elements of the agreement:

• Novo Nordisk will offer discounted pricing on Ozempic, Wegovy, and related products
• The program is for patients who are uninsured or whose insurance doesn't cover GLP-1s
• Medications are available through designated pharmacies and telehealth partners
• The administration positioned this as cutting out "middlemen" (PBMs) who add costs

Novo Nordisk, for its part, was already moving toward direct-to-consumer sales through its NovoCare Pharmacy program. The "TrumpRx" branding is largely political marketing around existing infrastructure.

The Pricing Reality

Here's where things get complicated.

The administration announced "steep discounts" without specifying exact prices. Based on what we know from NovoCare and related programs:

The honest assessment: These prices are real discounts from list prices. But they're also comparable to what Novo Nordisk was already offering through NovoCare, Costco partnerships, and cash-pay programs.

The "TrumpRx" framing adds political branding to pricing moves that were already underway due to competition from compounders and Eli Lilly.

How to Access the Program

If you want to take advantage of discounted Novo Nordisk GLP-1s:

Option 1: NovoCare Pharmacy
Novo Nordisk's direct pharmacy program offers the discounted pricing to eligible patients. You'll need a prescription and to verify you're uninsured or insurance doesn't cover.

Option 2: Partner Telehealth Companies
Several telehealth companies have arrangements to offer brand-name Novo products at discounted pricing, including Ro, LifeMD, and Weight Watchers.

Option 3: Retail Programs
Costco and other retailers have their own cash-pay arrangements, typically around $499/month for Ozempic/Wegovy.

There is no special "TrumpRx" enrollment portal or separate program. The branding refers to the policy push that encouraged these pricing moves, not a distinct access channel.

The Political Angle

Let's address the elephant in the room: this is a politically branded healthcare initiative from a polarizing administration.

Supporters argue:

• The administration used leverage to force pharmaceutical price cuts
• Bypassing PBMs creates more direct, transparent pricing
• This proves "America First" negotiating works for healthcare

Critics counter:

• Novo Nordisk was already cutting prices due to market pressure from compounders
• The "TrumpRx" branding is political marketing, not a new program
• This doesn't address systemic issues with drug pricing or insurance coverage

The neutral take: Lower drug prices are good for patients regardless of who gets political credit. Whether you attribute the discounts to administration pressure, compounder competition, or Novo's own strategy, the practical result is that GLP-1s are more affordable than they were 18 months ago.

How It Compares to Other Options

Bottom line: The TrumpRx/NovoCare pricing is competitive but not uniquely the best. Wegovy pill at $149 is excellent. But compounded tirzepatide at $166 may still be cheaper than LillyDirect for that molecule.

Should You Use It?

Yes, consider TrumpRx/NovoCare if:

• You want brand-name, FDA-approved semaglutide
• You're uninsured or insurance won't cover GLP-1s
• You prefer the Wegovy pill (oral) over injections
• Regulatory certainty matters to you more than lowest possible price

Consider alternatives if:

• You prefer tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound) — LillyDirect or compounded may be better
• You're comfortable with compounded products and want the lowest price
• Your insurance actually covers GLP-1s (use that first)

The Bottom Line

"TrumpRx" is real in the sense that brand-name GLP-1s are available at discounted prices through Novo Nordisk's direct programs. Whether you call it TrumpRx, NovoCare, or just "Novo's cash-pay option," the prices are the same.

The political branding is just that—branding. The underlying trend of lower GLP-1 prices reflects competition, market pressure, and manufacturer strategy more than any single policy decision.

Practical advice: Ignore the politics and focus on the prices. Wegovy pill at $149-299/month is genuinely affordable for brand-name medication. If that works for your situation, take advantage of it—regardless of what the program is called.